Visiting American Crocodiles in the wild - Mexico

As I write this, I'm just days away from a trip to Mexico where I hope to see American crocodiles in the wild.

Normally just before a trip, I am full of excitement and hopefulness for the possible wonders of whatever wildlife I hope to see.

This time, however, just getting to the location fills my mind.

The changed realities of international travel

Thanks to the current Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been affected in some way. Some worse than others and my thoughts are with any of those families suffering through it. I was unlucky to contract the virus back in March, but despite it affecting me for up to 6 weeks, it was never severe and I've made a full recovery.

So it is now two days before I fly, I've not been out of my postcode for five months, not been on public transport and I'm not even sure if the flight will go or not.

This is the fourth flight to Mexico that I've been booked on. My confidence in making it to Mexico is low. It seems that the pandemic has brought so much disappointment and changed so many of my plans.

I'm expecting an email any minute now saying the flights are cancelled.

To fly or not to fly?

Then there is the question of whether I should fly. This is highly emotive and surely it must come down to ensuring I follow the advice.

As of going to press, the countries I am leaving and entering are permitting travel. Airlines have guidelines, airports and transportation have guidelines and once the travel aspect is over, I will be in a very low-risk environment (a remote uninhabited island).

So I have decided to travel.

So with all that to one side. I am keen to gain back some normality to life.

Life is for living

I think we will forever view the world differently, but self-isolating myself forever is not living. That is just existing.

I need to find a happy medium where I can work while not putting myself or others at risk. Life is for living, living responsibly - has there ever been a time when this has been more apt?

My feelings of nervousness and some anxiety remind me of the first time I flew in a plane.

These feelings will not abate till I see through this experience and, hopefully in a few days time, arrive in tropical waters of Mexico and photograph American Crocodiles.

And for the first time, in writing this, I have a smile on my face.  This is what I do and every single time I experience wildlife I will have a renewed sense of gratitude for the experience.

These opportunities will be more difficult to make happen and may happen less frequently. This thought does not escape me for a single moment